Man in critical condition after Woodlawn shooting

Birmingham police are investigating a shooting on 1st Avenue South. The victim is in critical condition. Source: Clare Huddleston/WBRC

Police say two men in ski masks robbed a man who was walking on the street, then shot him. Source: Clare Huddleston/WBRC

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) -

Birmingham police say a man is fighting for his life in the hospital after getting shot in a random attempted robbery.

The man was helping a woman whose car was broken down in the 5600 block of 1st Avenue South, according to Lt. Sean Edwards.

Edwards says two black males in ski masks robbed the man around 4 a.m. Friday and shot him in the chest.

The victim was transported to UAB Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police said he was in critical condition and underwent surgery on Friday morning.

Officers are still searching for the suspects. They don't have a motive in the shooting and say it appears to be random.

The woman whose car had broken down said she didn't know the victim. She only had $1 on her, so she threw it on the ground and ran away when the suspects approached.

It's unclear if the suspects were able to get money from the man before they shot him.

"Two dudes jumped out of a U-Haul on the passenger side with a ski mask on and gloves and told us to give it up. He tried to rob us, he took my dollar, then he shot at the dude, and then I ran behind my car and they ran down the street behind him," she said.

The shooting happened near Woodlawn High School, but the road opened up in time to not interfere with school traffic.

So if you see someone broken down on the road, should you stop to help? Police say that's for each individual to decide.

"It's a good thing when citizens help other citizens of the city," Edwards said. "But there's some things you have to consider."

In an effort to keep yourself safe, Edwards suggests going to the nearest open business, calling police, then staying in your car, a safe distance way, until help arrive.

Two vehicles caught fire after a house fire in Ensley. (Source: Greg Long/WBRC)

Birmingham firefighters are working three different fires in Ensley. They were called to a house fire on Bush Boulevard around 3:30 a.m. Monday. Fire officials say that fire happened in the living room and everyone got out safely.

Birmingham firefighters are working three different fires in Ensley. They were called to a house fire on Bush Boulevard around 3:30 a.m. Monday. Fire officials say that fire happened in the living room and everyone got out safely.